The Purpose and The Need For Forgiveness

Introduction

Point 1

Matthew 18:21 NKJV

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

Matthew 18:22 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

How Many Times?

70x7=490

Does This Mean Unlimited Forgiveness?

No! The point is being willing to not limit your forgiveness or have a preset number of how many times you will forgive.

Point 2

Matthew 18:23 NKJV

Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

Matthew 18:24 NKJV

And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.

One was brought to him meaning he was detained.

Ten Thousand Talents? Significance?

Matthew 18:25 NKJV

But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.

His debt was so massive it was not possible to pay it back. He needed some grace and mercy.

We Have All Committed Sins Before God That We Needed Forgiveness for.

Romans 3:23 NKJV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 5:8 NKJV

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God’s Forgiveness is Almost Without Limit. Almost!

Matthew 18:26 NKJV

The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’

Matthew 18:27 NKJV

Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

Point 3

Matthew 18:28 NKJV

“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’

Matthew 18:29 NKJV

So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’

Matthew 18:30 NKJV

And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.

Point 4

Matthew 18:31 NKJV

So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.

Matthew 18:32 NKJV

Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.

Matthew 18:33 NKJV

Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’

Matthew 18:34 NKJV

And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.

Matthew 18:35 NKJV

“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Conclusion